S.O.L. "scandal" at William Fleming High School (Richmond: 2009, condo)

[540_804]

Im sure we've all heard this on the news but I thought I would make a thread about it and hear what you guys have to say about it.

Leaders in the Roanoke City School system call a report of an investigation into William Fleming High School's SOL testing disturbing, troubling, and disappointing.
"I found it discouraging and disappointing," says Roanoke Superintendent Rita Bishop.
The Virginia Department of Education submitted a report of its investigation into SOL testing at William Fleming to Roanoke City Public Schools on Thursday.
The report shows improper testing occurred in the spring of 2009 and the spring of 2008 at William Fleming.
"It's troubling," says Roanoke School Board Chairman David Carson. "Obviously, any allegation that involves or adversely affects our students is of great concern, and we take it very seriously."
The report found 31 students with disabilities had their course schedules changed so they couldn't take certain SOL tests. According to the report, the diploma status of 22 of these students was adversely impacted by the manipulation. The report also found general education students had their course schedules changed as well.
"The administrators at William Fleming High School in the specific positions of principal, assistant principals [two], school testing coordinator, and special education department chair, are responsible for the violations that occurred in this situation," the report says. "The diploma status of 22 of these students was adversely impacted by the manipulation of their course schedules."
The report blames administrators for the SOL testing scheme. It says evidence shows that William Fleming Principal Susan Willis directed this course of action.

Link to the story: Seniors at William Fleming graduate; SOL investigation brings range of reaction - WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville |
Original story: Updated: William Fleming under investigation for its SOL testing - WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville |
Link to the Department of Education's Report: http://www.wdbj7.com/Global/link.asp?L=392064


I think council woman Anita Price (who just happens to be one of my former guidance counselor/educators in elementary school as well as a family friend ) put it best: "another black eye for the school system".


As a recent Fleming grad (only a few years removed) it saddens me to see this type of thing happen at Fleming. While this is a failure of a select group of administrators, it will no doubt be viewed as another failure of the entire school (as well as the school district) in the minds of many.

Many people, unfortunately, view WFHS as the black, poor, under-performing problem child of the school district. It is nothing short of appalling to hear some of the comments made about the school (most from people who have never set foot on the campus). The comments typically range from uninformed and ignorant to downright stupid and racist (read some of the comments on the news stories pertaining to Fleming on WDBJ7).

First of all, while the school is a majority African American (well, last time I checked, though, I'm certain its at least a plurality), WFHS is one of the most diverse high schools I have ever seen, especially in the Roanoke Valley. There are literally students from all corners of the globe: black, white, Haitian, Mexican, Honduran, Jamaican, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Sudanese, Saudi Arabian, etc.

Given its geographic location, WFHS, of course, serves a large number of economically disadvantaged students from NW Roanoke city. I think a lot of people underestimate the importance of socioeconomic 'status' on academic performance, especially those who have never walked in those shoes. If you heard some of the stories of things these kids (my peers, friends) had to go through, you would realize that it was a miracle for them to even come to school everyday, much less be able to perform on the levels of others on something as (seemingly, to them) inconsequential as a standardized test.

Don't get me wrong, I'm certainly not giving excuses for why WFHS students should perform at a level lower than other schools; I could give you example after example of students who have succeeded in spite of these types of obstacles (myself included).

I've said it before, and I will say it again: I would not trade my time at WFHS for anything. The education I received at WFHS was world-class. Yes, you read that correctly: World-class. The many, many full-ride academic scholarships I was offered are a testament to this (I'm certainly not bragging and I'm certainly not the only WFHS graduate to accomplish these things). My education at WFHS prepared me college leaps and bounds beyond my other collegiate peers (many of which went to more 'prestigious' high schools such as Thomas Jefferson HS in Fairfax or Maggie L. Walker in Richmond).

Unfortunately, incidents such as this (the SOL brouhaha) continue to tarnish the already damaged image of Fleming. When I look at what was allegedly done I think (Caution: What follows is in no way condoning the deplorable, irresponsible, borderline criminal, actions of the administration), "Maybe the administration did this thinking they were helping the school and the students." If that is the case, then I can't help but to question how myopic and nearsighted this administration acted. I know high school diplomas don't really hold much weight to begin with, but actions like these instantly devalue the accomplishments of every student (past, present, and future). I'm amazed at how selfishly shortsighted an action this was. Again I quote Ms Price: "another black eye for the school system".

Anyway, I certainly hate to jump on the Principle Willis hating bandwagon, but I hope she is relieved of her position. I never personally liked her (she always had an air of inauthenticity and disingenuousness about her, not to mention she always seemed to by M.I.A. when a principle should be on campus), though I guess my opinion holds no bearings on her ability as an educator or administrator. I worked closely with many teachers and second- and third-level administrators so I know what kind of camp Ms. Willis ran. Lets just say I'm not convinced educational administration is her calling. I think she would fare better in a more cut-throat, corporate environment. Maybe commodities trading? LOL

Hopefully with Fleming's new campus nearing completion the school can start on a blank slate so to speak. Maybe a complete overhaul of the administration is in order. I would personally like to see councilwoman Anita Price as principle, though I doubt that will ever happen and I'm sure she's not even interested in that position. She has the experience and, from my experience is one of the most passionate educators (as well as one of the most genuinely nice people) I have ever met. Either way, I hope they bring in a fresh new administration to run things how they should be. The community and students certainly deserve better than the short end of the stick that they seem to keep getting.

Anyway, I think I'm done with my rant. For now at least. LOL

Any thoughts on the situation?

[buttons123]

How truly sad for the students affected by the manipulation of testing schedules and for the moral of the teaching staff at Fleming. They deserve better!
The fact that the one teacher interviewed in the 6/12 article state "We live in an atmosphere of fear and in jeopardy of career retaliation", should raise alarms with RCPS Central Office administrators. Fleming is not the only school in the city that is lead by intimidation rather than example. There are other schools in which staff member feel threatened by the principals and have been forced to do things against their better judgment. RCPS needs to hire principals for their leadership not for their ability to intimidate, humiliate, and reduce the moral of the hard working teachers in those buildings.

[Teebyrd86]

I couldnt imagine going into work everyday worrying about someone retalliating threatening my position that I have worked so hard for. This is sooo sad to hear. I think RCPS needs to make some major changes throughout the school system and replacing this lady should be the start. Its sad that her administrators will also be going down with her since I am sure she pretty much forced them to do what they took part in. The fact is life is too short and if I had been in their shoes or any of the teachers shoes there I would have to move on and find other employment even though its hard to find jobs these days.. going to work miserable is one of the worse things in the world. I wish this school luck and hope that the graduating class of 2009 still has momentum.

[headnsouth]

I think you are an excellent writer and an excellent representative of that school. I think the whole thing is shameful, especially the fact that the graduating seniors' accomplishments are overshadowed by it all.

I hope you're right about the new building being a fresh start, but I don't know...

[540_804]

Originally Posted by buttons123

How truly sad for the students affected by the manipulation of testing schedules and for the moral of the teaching staff at Fleming. They deserve better!
The fact that the one teacher interviewed in the 6/12 article state "We live in an atmosphere of fear and in jeopardy of career retaliation", should raise alarms with RCPS Central Office administrators. Fleming is not the only school in the city that is lead by intimidation rather than example. There are other schools in which staff member feel threatened by the principals and have been forced to do things against their better judgment. RCPS needs to hire principals for their leadership not for their ability to intimidate, humiliate, and reduce the moral of the hard working teachers in those buildings.

Yep, she definitely lead by intimidation. She was nothing more than a bully in pearls and a pants suit.

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

I couldnt imagine going into work everyday worrying about someone retalliating threatening my position that I have worked so hard for. This is sooo sad to hear. I think RCPS needs to make some major changes throughout the school system and replacing this lady should be the start. Its sad that her administrators will also be going down with her since I am sure she pretty much forced them to do what they took part in. The fact is life is too short and if I had been in their shoes or any of the teachers shoes there I would have to move on and find other employment even though its hard to find jobs these days.. going to work miserable is one of the worse things in the world. I wish this school luck and hope that the graduating class of 2009 still has momentum.

Before I read your post I was actually thinking "down with them all!" in regards to the administration, but now that I've read your post (and buttons123) I realize that I can't place too much blame on the other faculty members who participated. I know we have to be responsible for our actions but with the fear and intimidation that Ms. Willis spread, I really can't blame them for what they did.

Both of those posts made me remember one particular incident:

One of my teachers got into a bit of an argument with a student (the student was clearly in the wrong). The student went to the principle about it and the principle immediately called the teacher to her office for an impromptu meeting (while class was still in session). The principle essentially fired the teacher on the spot, on the word of the student (who, again, was in the wrong in the first place). Back then I didn't think too much of the situation, because honestly I didn't like the teacher very much but as I look back and think of how completely inappropriate her firing was I can't help but shake my head. Principle Willis established a "My-Way-Or-The-Highway" policy very early on and it was clear that a lot of teachers both feared and resented her for it. Several other teachers 'disappeared' throughout the school year and it would be no stretch of the imagination to suppose that the same thing happened to them as with my teacher.

Originally Posted by headnsouth

I hope you're right about the new building being a fresh start, but I don't know...

Haha, I really hope I'm right as well. Unfortunately, I'm not too optimistic.